Chapter 1. Definitions of California Family Law Code >> Division 4. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 1.

Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, the definitions in this chapter govern the construction of this part.

"Debt" means an obligation incurred by a married person before or during marriage, whether based on contract, tort, or otherwise.

A debt is "incurred" at the following time:
  (a) In the case of a contract, at the time the contract is made.
  (b) In the case of a tort, at the time the tort occurs.
  (c) In other cases, at the time the obligation arises.